Is a data center boom coming to Florida? What the industry says
There are several signs that suggest 2026 could be a tipping point for Florida when it comes to large-scale data centers, the warehouse facilities that house thousands of servers for artificial intelligence and other tech programs. As hotspot states like Virginia become more saturated — with about a quarter of that state’s power demand coming from data centers already — the industry is looking to spread out. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
SeaWorld parent company reports drops in attendance, revenue
United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld Orlando, reported declines in attendance, revenue and net income for its most recent fiscal year, which ended in December. Attendance was down 1.8%, about 21.2 million visitors, for the company. The report does not break out attendance figures for its 13 individual parks, a lineup that also includes Aquatica water park, Discovery Cove day resort and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Naples Chamber creates micro businesses council
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative to support what it calls “the smallest but most foundational businesses in Collier County.” Dubbed the Micro Business Council, the program is specifically for micro-enterprises with one to 10 employees, the chamber says in a statement. Unlike the Chamber’s Small Business Council, which primarily serves in an advisory capacity to the organization, the Micro Business Council is a hands-on support network. More from the Business Observer.
Law firm advises Broward School Board against recouping referendum bonuses
The Broward School District could face significant legal hurdles if it tries to recoup bonuses for high-paid administrators that came from a voter-approved referendum, an outside law firm has concluded. The firm said its research found “no legal authority or policy authorizing a state agency to unilaterally claw back funds distributed to employees in the absence of employee wrongdoing in connection with those funds.” More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Florida lawmakers may claim final say over control of GRU
A Florida bill could shift control of some municipal utilities, like Gainesville Regional Utilities, from local governments to the state. This legislation could override local voter-approved measures aimed at returning control of GRU to the Gainesville City Commission. The proposed bill comes amid an ongoing court battle between the city of Gainesville and the GRU Authority over governance. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Embry-Riddle’s International Ambassador Program builds global ties through innovation, collaboration
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University launched the International Ambassador Program to connect students and faculty. Partnering with SelectFlorida, the initiative strengthens Florida’s edge in aerospace innovation and education. The program appoints faculty and staff as liaisons for cross-cultural partnerships and academic exchange. [Sponsored report]
Arts Business
As the Tampa Theatre nears 100, it’s getting a facelift
Just before its 100th birthday in October, downtown Tampa’s iconic movie theater is getting a big update. The Tampa Theatre is kicking off a $13.5 million renovation and modernization project that will spruce up both the inside and outside of the historic building. This renovation is part of a $30 million capital initiative called the Second Century Campaign, which aims to enhance and protect the Tampa landmark.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times and the St. Pete Catalyst.
Philanthropy
Panthers’ Barkov makes ‘generational’ donation to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov, a longtime supporter of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, recently joined patients and their families for a special celebration where he announced a significant seven-figure philanthropic gift to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. This exceptional gift will expand pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine services at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, supporting this program, which is ranked first in the state of Florida by U.S. News and World Report.
» Read more from Florida Trend and the Miami Herald.